Golden's Deli, a fixture in Lowertown St. Paul since the late 1990s, has closed its doors effective today. The deli had announced twice this week that it would not be open that day, and on Thursday, made that move "permanently," as the deli explained in a long statement about the decision.

Golden's is known for its in-house bagels, good coffee and some of the best fresh lemonade in town, which it served in a cozy dining space, an outdoor patio, or to walk-up customers who could order through a sidewalk-facing indow.

That window looks onto the St. Paul Farmer's Market space, which is where loyal customers will still be able to find Golden's in the future. Owner Jim Golden first started hawking bagel sandwiches at the Lowertown market in the 1980s, and the Golden's stand there "continues to be very busy every weekend," according to the statement.

Golden's often opened its doors for artists, poets, and writers, and lately had run an "open mic" night for musicians.

“It’s been an honor to have been part of the Lowertown community these last 20 years,” Jim Golden said.

Golden's statement also gives up some pretty alluring details about the restaurant arriving in its place:

"Golden’s former location, in the Northwestern Building at 275 E. 4th Street, will see a new restaurant open later this Fall. Lowertown neighbor and Union Depot resident Kari Richtsmeier will debut Biergarten Germania, featuring cuisines from the historic region of Germania, offering a variety of dishes from Germany, Switzerland, France, and the Netherlands.
With a delicious Central European menu, modern beer hall-styled furnishings built by Lowertown artists, and European soccer matches shown on an inflatable jumbo screen, Biergarten Germania is bringing something new and exciting to Lowertown’s existing bar and restaurant scene. Website coming soon at BiergartenGermania.com."

Golden's note signs off: "Jim Golden and all the staff of Golden’s Lowertown wish to extend a sincere thank you to all of our customers and the members of the local community who have supported us throughout the years. Come see us for a bagel, a coffee, and a chat at the Saint Paul Farmers’ Market next weekend!"